WORK is well underway to establish how the town centre of Newton Abbot can be regenerated.

Teignbridge Council has been awarded £9.2 million from the government’s High Street Regeneration Fund which has been earmarked for redevelopment of the town centre area including the market and Alexandra Theatre.

Now a steering group has been set up, led by Emma Twamley, an arts consultant, to oversee how the project can be progressed.

She said the aim was to bring in lots of groups from ‘different walks of life’ to come together to bring ‘ideas and aspirations’ and give feedback to assess the needs and requirements of those involved.

She said there would need to be ‘lots of debate and compromise’ but was hopeful a way forward can be found.

Emma said: ‘At the end of the day, we are making Newton Abbot better.

‘The fact they managed to get the funding was incredible.

‘Only 72 towns got this money.

‘I feel it’s about coming together and working out how best to use it.

‘The impact to the town could be amazing and how we can use this space.

‘The bigger picture is to come together to discuss and work out what is the best plan of action.’

Emma added: ‘I am really passionate about this, I love the arts and I feel this is an ideal opportunity for this to happen.’

The steering group, and its wider public engagement, has less than three months to come up with ideas to put forward.

The next stage, following the feedback, is for designers to come back with three potential blueprints for further consideration.

Emma added there is debate to be had regarding the future of the Alexandra Theatre which has provoked some strong opposition.

She pointed out her children had been involved with and performed at the theatre.

Emma said: ‘I absolutely adore the theatre and there is a great benefit.

‘I would like to build up the Alexandra Theatre in terms of a bigger audience and I can see what it can be.’

She admitted the market area is not as good as it could be and current market traders are involved as part of the plans to increase footfall.

Market traders are involved the detailed discussion process.

Emma added: ‘It’s about bringing everyone together and having a flexible space.

‘I am really excited. We’ve got a group of experienced people and we are working together.’

The steering group will be meeting for a few more weeks then in June, a final draft plan will be designed, based on the feedback, for further public engagement.

Various groups are involved with the steering group including represenatives from production companies, entertainment companies, traders from the market as well as the Alexandra Theatre and town council.

Emma said: ‘The bottom line these are small steps but there is a lot of money available and if we don’t come up with plans, it could be lost.’